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The text on which questions based
Before answering the questions
The analysed text
Thinking Skills
Paper 2 question 3
July 2012
(adapted questions for 2012)
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3
Read the passage and answer the questions below.
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Many people disapprove of gambling, i.e. betting money on the outcome of such things as
horse races, sporting contests or card games. However, gambling should be regarded as
no different from other leisure activities and should not be singled out for special
condemnation.
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2
Whilst it is true that many people ‘waste’ their money gambling, the same could be said of
many other leisure activities, such as buying expensive clothes and eating meals in
restaurants, that are typical of a modern consumer society. If we are to disapprove of
gambling, then we are in danger of condemning a large number of leisure pursuits which
are purely pleasurable and yield no long-term gain.
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3
The amount of money spent on gambling is no more than is spent on smoking tobacco. At
least gambling does not cause heart disease and lung cancer.
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4
Some people have argued gambling can be addictive. However, no intake of a chemically
addictive substance such as nicotine is involved. The keen gambler is no different from the
keen golfer – they may spend rather too much time pursuing their chosen pastime, but we
would have a large number of ‘addicts’ if such attachment was always defined as
‘addiction’.
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5
Gambling is a worldwide phenomenon, with many cultures and societies having gambling
as a feature of their lifestyle. This suggests it is an unavoidable aspect of human
existence.
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6
Gambling is essential for success. Many successful people are risk-takers who would not
have been successful if they were always cautious. This willingness to gamble is an
essential ingredient in explaining their success. Disapproval of gambling is disapproval of
risk and disapproval of risk is disapproval of success. Humans would not have progressed
if everybody had disapproved of gambling. Gambling produces the ‘adrenalin rush’ that is
so important in much human endeavour.
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(a)
Using the exact words from the passage as far as possible, identify
the main conclusion.
(2 marks)
(b)
Using the exact words from the passage as far as possible, identify three
reasons used to support the main conclusion.
(3 marks)
(c)
Evaluate the reasoning in the argument.
In your answer you should consider any strengths, weaknesses, flaws and
unstated assumptions.
(5 marks)
(d) ‘
‘Children should be encouraged to take risks.’ Write your own argument to
support or challenge this claim. The conclusion of your argument must be
stated.
(5 marks)
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BEFORE you answer any questions …
Analyse the text. Highlight or underline:
Main conclusion
 Intermediate conclusions
 Supporting reasons
 Examples
 Counter argument
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Remember: do not make it too complicated!
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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1
Many people disapprove of gambling, i.e. betting money on the
outcome of such things as horse races, sporting contests or card games.
However, gambling should be regarded as no different from other leisure
activities and should not be singled out for special condemnation.
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2
Whilst it is true that many people ‘waste’ their money gambling, the same
could be said of many other leisure activities, such as buying expensive
clothes and eating meals in restaurants, that are typical of a modern
consumer society. If we are to disapprove of gambling, then we are in
danger of condemning a large number of leisure pursuits which are purely
pleasurable and yield no long-term gain.
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Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
5
3
The amount of money spent on gambling is no more than is spent on
smoking tobacco. At least gambling does not cause heart disease and lung
cancer.
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4
Some people have argued gambling can be addictive. However, no
intake of a chemically addictive substance such as nicotine is involved. The
keen gambler is no different from the keen golfer – they may spend rather
too much time pursuing their chosen pastime, but we would have a large
number of ‘addicts’ if such attachment was always defined as ‘addiction’.
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Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
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5
Gambling is a worldwide phenomenon, with many cultures and societies
having gambling as a feature of their lifestyle. This suggests it is an
unavoidable aspect of human existence.
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6
Gambling is essential for success. Many successful people are risk-takers
who would not have been successful if they were always cautious. This
willingness to gamble is an essential ingredient in explaining their success.
Disapproval of gambling is disapproval of risk and disapproval of risk is
disapproval of success. Humans would not have progressed if everybody had
disapproved of gambling. Gambling produces the ‘adrenalin rush’ that is so
important in much human endeavour.
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Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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(a) Using the exact words from the passage as
far as possible, identify the main conclusion.
Back to Questions
(2 marks)
It just says ‘identify’, so you only need to point out the
main conclusion, not comment.
Simply quote from the text (or give a very close
paraphrase).
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2 marks: (However) gambling (should be regarded as no different
from other leisure activities and) should not be singled out
for special condemnation.
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1 mark: Gambling should be regarded as no different from other
leisure activities.
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(b) Using the exact words from the passage as
far as possible, identify three reasons used to
support the main conclusion.
(3 marks)
Back to Questions
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In other words, find three intermediate conclusions. Try
to find the best ones.
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Remember to look first near the beginning and end of
each paragraph.
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Again simply quote from the text.
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Set them out with bullet points. Do not give more than
three!
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If we are to disapprove of gambling then we are in
danger of condemning a large
number of leisure pursuits (which are purely pleasurable
and yield no long term gain).
The amount of money spent on gambling is no greater
than that spent on tobacco.
Gambling does not cause heart disease and lung
cancer.
(However) no intake of a chemically addictive substance
is involved.
It is an unavoidable aspect of human existence.
Gambling is essential for success.
Back to Questions
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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(c) Evaluate the reasoning in the argument.
In your answer you should consider any
strengths, weaknesses, flaws and unstated
assumptions.
(5 marks) Back to Questions
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For this question, you must evaluate: that means to give
your judgement on the text.
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Assumptions are unstated, and will not be found in the
text. Try to identify 2 or more.
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You can mention any strengths; but mainly try to define
the weaknesses and flaws, using appropriate
terminology whenever possible.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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Possible points:
c)
Evaluate the reasoning in the argument. In your answer you
should consider any strengths, weaknesses, flaws and
unstated assumptions.
Overall:
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Back to Questions
Indicative content
This passage offers some support for the claim that gambling should
be regarded as no different from other leisure activities and should not
be singled out for special condemnation However, it is weakened by
over-generalisation, Slippery Slope arguments and poor use of
examples.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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Two suggested answers
Shortened answer: 306 words
 Long answer: 644 words
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You do not need to write too much and can
answer by referring to the paragraphs (Best) or
by looking at the reasoning in the argument,
considering any strengths, weaknesses, flaws
and unstated assumptions.
After the suggested answer there is an analysis
of different flaws etc.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
13
Shortened version (probably more realistic for exam
conditions):
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Overall, the argument concentrates on superficial similarities with other leisure activities but fails to
consider some of the more serious criticisms of gambling: for example, that its compulsiveness can often
wreck personal finances, and consequently break up families and ruin lives.

The reasoning in this passage offers some support for the conclusion that gambling “should not be singled
out for special condemnation”, but is weakened by poor analogies, exaggeration, and confusion of terms.

In paragraph 2, the examples – of buying expensive clothes and eating in restaurants – are poor. In both
of these cases, at least there is a product received in return for the money spent.

In paragraph 3, the argument assumes that, if society accepts smoking, it should accept any other
comparably harmful activity. However, two wrongs do not make a right: whether or not smoking is
harmful is irrelevant to considering the case of gambling. Also, just because gambling does not cause
heart disease, does not mean that it cannot be very harmful in other ways.

In paragraph 4, there is an assumption that addictions must come from something ingested, and could not
be psychological or caused by chemicals released within a person’s own body.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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Shortened version (continued):

In paragraph 5, it is assumed that a worldwide phenomenon must be accepted, and even condoned.
Murder, prostitution and political corruption are also worldwide phenomena, but that does not mean we
should approve of them.

In paragraph 6, there is conflation of the terms ‘gambling’ and ‘risk taking’: the calculated risks taken in
business are not comparable to simply betting money on horse races. It is also a slippery slope reasoning
to go from disapproval of betting to holding back human progress. Finally, just because an adrenalin rush
may be important, does not mean that any kind of adrenalin rush is acceptable.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
15
Thinking Skills June 2012 Paper 22 q.3 (c): key
evaluation vocabulary highlighted
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The reasoning in this passage offers some support for the conclusion that gambling should not be singled
out for condemnation, but the argument is severely weakened by poor analogies, exaggeration and
confusion of terms.
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In the first paragraph, the assertion that gambling is “no different from other leisure activities” is
certainly open to challenge: the rest of the passage focuses on the supposed similarities, but does not
acknowledge important differences between gambling and other activities.
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In paragraph 2, there is an assumption that gambling is a “purely pleasurable” activity; in fact, some
gamblers may feel compelled to continue gambling without any longer enjoying it. The examples given in
this paragraph – of buying expensive clothes and eating in restaurants – are poor. In both of these cases,
at least there is a product received in return for the money spent, whereas a gambler who loses a bet
receives nothing.
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In paragraph 3, the analogy with smoking gives only a very limited support to the main conclusion.
The argument assumes that smoking is regarded as acceptable in society; but, for many people, it is not.
The argument also assumes that, if society accepts smoking, it should accept any other comparably
harmful or wasteful activity. However, two wrongs do not make a right: whether or not smoking is
harmful is irrelevant to considering the case of gambling. The second sentence of paragraph 3 is
especially weak: just because gambling does not directly cause heart disease or lung cancer, does not
mean that it cannot be very harmful in other ways.
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Thinking Skills June 2012 Paper 22 q.3 (c): key
evaluation vocabulary highlighted Continued
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In paragraph 4, it is assumed that addictions must come from something ingested, and could not be
psychological or caused by chemicals released within a person’s own body and brain. The later mention of
“the adrenalin rush” shows that this is false. Furthermore, the analogy with playing golf is very weak
because it focuses only on the time spent; it ignores, for example, the potential health and social benefits
of playing golf. It also assumes that excessive golfing could not be considered an addiction. There are, no
doubt, many ‘golf widows’ who would disagree!
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In paragraph 5, the claim that gambling “is an unavoidable aspect of human existence” is probably
sound – at least at the general level of society, though not for each individual. However, this is a weak
support for the main conclusion because it assumes that a worldwide phenomenon must therefore be
accepted, and even condoned. Murder, prostitution and political corruption are also worldwide
phenomena, but that does not mean we should approve of them.
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Thinking Skills June 2012 Paper 22 q.3 (c): key
evaluation vocabulary highlighted Continued
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In paragraph 6, there is conflation of the terms ‘gambling’ and ‘risk taking’, and this seriously
weakens the argument. The carefully considered risks taken in the business world, or in cutting-edge
scientific investigation, are not comparable to simply betting money on horse races and card games. The
assertion that all success must involve risk is unjustified, and probably not true. It is also an exaggerated,
slippery slope reasoning to go from disapproval of betting on sports to disapproval of success in general,
and then to holding back human progress. The final sentence of the passage is very weak: just because an
adrenalin rush may be “important in much human endeavour” does not mean that any source of an
adrenalin rush is acceptable. Probably there is a tremendous adrenalin rush for children playing on railway
lines, or for burglars breaking into our homes, but we should not therefore accept and encourage such
behaviours.
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By the end of the text, the author has changed from trying to defend gambling to positively
encouraging it, which means the main conclusion is not clearly supported. The overall argument
concentrates on superficial similarities with other leisure activities but fails to consider some of the more
serious criticisms of gambling: for
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Back to Questions
Analysis - Possible points:
Assumptions
 Para 2: Gamblers find the activity pleasurable – they might be
addicted to something that no longer gives them pleasure.
 Para 4: Addiction cannot be psychological/involve chemicals
produced by the body.
 Para 4: Assumes that golfing can not be an addiction.
 Para 5: By implication, widespread / inevitable features of human
existence should be accepted.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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Back to Questions
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Flaws
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Slippery slope (s) in moving from gambling to risk and lack of progress.
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Equivocation (Conflation) between gambling meaning a specific activity of
betting money on outcomes and ‘gambling’ used as a synonym for risk taking.
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Generalisation: It is not at all clear that risk taking is a necessary condition
for success in all aspects of human achievement.
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Various examples of ‘tu quoque’ (or “Conflate”)e.g. mindless consumption,
tobacco, golf addiction. Using one argument to counter another without
an actual link
e.g. I tell you to stop gambling and your response is to tell me to stop
smoking
–
both could be good or bad for us but whether
you gamble or not is not linked to my drinking or not …
at least it probably isn`t
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Appeal to popularity rather than factual evidence. In Para 5.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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Other points about the reasoning
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Back to Questions
The author fails to address the aspects of gambling that are most
dubious and distinguish it from other leisure activities. Even if some
consumption is a ‘waste of money’, transactions are involved and
one does get a product in return for the money expended, whereas
the nature of gambling means it is unlikely that there will be any
return on one’s expenditure.
Also, the hope that ‘one more time’ will prove successful means that
the gambler can be drawn into a spiral of decline in which they end
up losing far more than intended. This would not apply to, for
instance, restaurant meals.
There may be links between gambling and smoking/AND there may
be other diseases associated with gambling.
As the reference to ‘adrenalin rush’ in the final paragraph suggests,
it may be that gambling encourages the release of chemicals in the
brain and that the individual then becomes addicted to these
internally produced chemicals. Focussing on only those chemicals
that are ingested is too narrow when considering addiction.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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Other points about the reasoning (Cont)
Back to Questions
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As discussed under assumptions, this reasoning can only work if
one accepts that something widespread and universal is somehow
insulated from disapproval. Candidates could think of a number of
counter examples here e.g. obesity, death
Paragraph Six.
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The final paragraph rather moves away from the conclusion and
suggests that we should positively approve of gambling as opposed
to simply not condemning it. As discussed under flaws, this only
works if one uses the expression ‘gambling’ equivocally.
Main conclusion; Intermediate conclusions; Supporting reasons; Examples; Counter argument
Assumption
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